Horne told Reuters that he had spoken to Hayes' wife, who confirmed that Hayes was found unconscious at his home, and rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Hayes, a flamboyant, deep-voiced performer, won an Academy Award for "Theme from 'Shaft."' Along with David Porter, he also co-wrote soul classics for Sam and Dave, such as "Soul Man" and "When Something is Wrong With My Baby."

He may be better known to younger fans for supplying the voice of Chef on the hit cartoon series "South Park." ================================ --Hayes quoted in New York Newsday, May 30, 1995. He has 11 children with seven different women, including three to whom he was married. ... ===================